antenna compatibility

BillPutney · #1 08-19-2008, 06:21 PM

I have a 2000 model Garmin gps/sounder 185.what are the chances that my external antenna will work with the new 420 series units.I do not have WAAS capability currently. The 420 I just ordered has an internal antenna , but I have a 5x8 hardtop over the center console so I feel like I need the ext. ant.The employee at West Marine says I won't need it . What do you guys think?

McGillicuddy · #2 08-19-2008, 06:41 PM

I recently bought a unit with an external antenna for similar concerns, but in hindsight, I think I'd have been just as pleased with an internal antenna version. One more connection and wire to hide. I believe Bushwacker mentioned he has an external gps antenna mounted in his cuddy cabin and it does fine. Keep in mind your signal is coming from numerous satellites thus numerous celestial tangents. Rarely is the satellite right above you.

Rainmaker · #3 08-19-2008, 07:07 PM

I have used GPS in cabins in the past with no issues. At this point I have a T-Top with an antenna mounted on top of it. I have used HH GPS with an internal antenna sitting on the console numerous times though with no trouble. I have also mounted GPS equipment in cars with the antenna on the dash with some small issues when the metal shadowed the antenna but for the most part that also perfomed reasonably well.

I would suggest trying it, I believe it will work fine. If not, then you can move to adding the external antenna.

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Trey1096 · #6 08-27-2008, 06:21 PM

I, too, think you’ll be fine. A friend of mine has a Proline 251 with a Garmin GPS mounted on the console. He had a hardtop installed last year and went through the same dilemma.

I don’t think there’s any difference in the accuracy before the installation and now. Before I installed and ran the wires, I’d at least try it out.

Trey